Avenue Hair Studio

My cousin Hannah is a regular presence on my blog in all of my “Hair Diaries” posts. She’s been responsible for pretty much all of my adventures in hair colors and cuts. We’ve done my hair in all sorts of locations…a tiny kitchen, a bathroom where we permanently stained the tub, Hannah’s school salon, her new apartment, one salon where she worked, my house…sometimes with a cape, many times with just a towel. Always an adventure! And I’m so excited for Hannah and her newest adventure and space: Avenue Hair Studio on the Ave in Wenatchee, WA.

Hannah has generously opened her salon for me to share with all of you today. We had fun taking pictures and doing my hair one afternoon last week. Welcome to Avenue Hair Studio!

Her and her business partner created a fun modern space with a perfect shade of tiffany blue on the walls and accents of zebra print. It’s a fun, warm and welcoming space.

My current hairstyle really needs regular touch-ups and I’ve loved coming to see Hannah here. We people watch out the big windows and catch up on each other’s lives. This time we added some lowlights to my color and then she freshened up my cut. I love how it turned out. I have another before and after post coming soon.

If you live in the area you should so give Hannah a call and have her work her magic on your hair too. She’s got skills and she’s so creative. I love collaborating with her and coming up with new ideas to try on my hair. Chris really likes how it is now, so the short and blonde might stay a little while longer, though. Its been like this since April, which I think is a record for the last 6 years!

Thanks so much Hannah for sharing your salon with us. And for rocking out on my hair. And for being my cousin. You’re pretty awesome.

Are you loyal to a stylist?
Do you have any fun ‘at home’ hair stories?
What’s your favorite thing you’ve tried with your hair?

Around My Town: Ephrata WA // The Bookery

And in my town my favorite place to get coffee is a little bookshop turned coffeehouse called The Bookery. There is something about the smell of books mixed with the smell of fresh ground coffee beans that sings to the soul of every creative. Its like an elixir of inspiration and caffeine in the perfect proportion. It wafts out onto the street of my tiny town named Ephrata in central Washington State.

My favorite baristas, Melissa and Jamie are there most mornings when I stop by, and the owner, Stephanie is so helpful and will order in any book you’re looking for. Its my favorite shop downtown. I love the atmosphere, the quaint gifts and knickknacks available for purchase, and the coffee…oh the coffee!

It was here as one of their daily specials that I first tasted my favorite drink: the Salted Caramel White Chocolate Mocha. Every bit as decadent as it sounds. I like it hot in the winter, but this time of year I order it iced or blended.

Something else that is great about small local businesses is that they care about the other “little people” in their community, and The Bookery is no different. They have a Local Authors section on their bookshelves and support local artists by displaying and selling their work, like photographer Gavin Seim. The walls of this little shop proudly display his stunning photographs.

There are books to browse, jewelry to admire (and secretly want to buy all of), home décor and lots of cute coffee mugs. Cards with clever sayings, journals to buy and info about the latest music festival or theater performance.

It’s a hub…a place to come where they know your face and how you like your coffee, and they’ll remind you of the newest release from your favorite author. And even the kids are warmly welcomed with their own special table.

This is my favorite coffee shop in my town. And the first local business I’m sharing for my new feature: Around My Town. I’m looking forward to sharing the places that make this little town we live in really special and are worth celebrating.

Do you have a favorite coffee shop in your town?

Are you loyal to small businesses?